We don't blame you for forgetting that there are other beaches besides the stunners in the Caribbean. Whenever it's time to book a trip, travelers always turn to the one place they can count on to be tropical and warm.
The problem with this is that we often disregard beaches that are far outside our traditional idea of a 'beach'. It doesn't need to be a perfect 80 degrees or even close to the equator to be beautiful.
With that in mind, we're thinking outside the box that is tropical vacations. While some of these beaches do give that vibe, there are also some that are lovely simply because of their landscape or location.
So why not take a chance and explore a place outside of your comfort zone? We promise there will still be sand... but it might be in the form of volcanic rock.
20 Washington State: Ruby Beach, Rugged And Mystical
There's no beauty that's quite like that which can be found in Washington state. From the Pacific ocean to rocky elevations, this state exudes mystery and ambiance, if you're into that Twilight-esque scenery. Ruby Beach might not be much for sunbathing, but it's definitely stunning in its own right.
19 Thailand: Railay Beach Has The Most Stunning Sunsets
Thailand has grown in popularity with travelers over the last few years, which has made it that much more of a desirable destination. Railay Beach is home to water sports as well as sunbathing, and there's nothing like watching the sun set over its unique rocky outcrops.
18 Hawaii: Tunnels Beach Is Close To Home
We bet you didn't even think of Hawaii as a tropical travel option! While the plane ride is definitely a bit longer for those on the east coast, it's worth it for a place like Tunnels Beach. There's a reason so many shows are filmed on this island, and it's not because of its weather.
17 England: Durdle Door Is England's Biggest Surprise
It's easy to see how Durdle Door got its name, but what's more noteworthy is the fact that yes - England does actually have a sandy beach! It might not be like those we're familiar with here, but it's gorgeous nonetheless. Take in the sights from the sand, or sit atop its grassy outlook.
16 Iceland: Black Sand Beach For Its Breathtaking, Gothic Beauty
Black sand beaches aren't just saved to boards on Pinterest, they're actually able to be seen and walked along. The black sand beach in Iceland gets its gothic appearance from tumbled volcanic rock that makes up the entire shoreline. Watch out for those waves, though - they're icy cold and powerful.
15 Seychelles: Anse Source d'Argent Is A Beach-Lover's Paradise
Anse Source d'Argent is a long-winded way of saying, 'unbelievably dreamy' in Seychelles. Just kidding, we're not actually sure what it means, if anything at all. What we do know is that this beach resembles something out of a fiction novel, and it has the most perfect sand we've ever set eyes on.
14 Oregon: Cannon Beach Gives Us Pacific Coast Vibes
Oregon, very much like Washington state, exudes this aura of mystery and the unknown. Cannon Beach is a bit more beachy, and it's not uncommon to see people hanging out here to watch the sunset. Between giant rocks that rise above sea level and color-changing cloud patterns, the view is breathtaking.
13 Namibia: Walvis Bay, With Dunes That Lead To Dark Blue Waters
We understand that this is a photo of a (rather massive) sand dune, but let us explain. This sand dune is one of many that actually lead down to the water, making it a particularly unique experience for those who are fans of a good landscape as well as sand sledding.
12 Sardinia: Cala Goloritzè Is Calm Enough For Sunbathing In Its Crystal Waters
When we said there are so many beaches around the world to serve as an alternative to the Caribbean, we weren't kidding. Sardinia is quite well-known for its beauty, but you haven't really seen the half of it until you've visited Cala Goloritzè. You'll never want to leave these waters, even after you're all wrinkly and pruny.
11 Australia: Bells Beach For Surfers And Nature Enthusiasts Alike
Bells Beach is known for having some of the best swells in the country, so that alone makes it a surfer's paradise. Aside from that, Australia is incredibly beautiful to begin with, and this beach's unique rock formations make it the perfect cove for all types of beach-goers.
10 South Africa: Clifton Beach Is Not For The Faint Of Heart
South Africa, in general, is not for the faint of heart. For adventure lovers, this end of the country is packed with activities you can find nowhere else in the world. Photos of its southern coast don't even do it justice, and it's all we can do to provide an idea of what a bird's-eye view of it is really like.
9 Portugal: Praia Dona Ana, Where Photos Won't Do It Justice
Speaking of not having photographic justice, Praia Dona Ana is yet another beach that features some breathtaking views. The calm waters of this beach make it a great choice for most travelers, and when the sun sets, the entire cliffside glows in unique oranges and golds.
8 Germany: Usedom Island, Germany's Best-Kept Beach Secret
Germany is definitely not a place we'd expect to find a beach, let alone one like this. While it's rich in history and culture, Usedom Island also holds a bit of a secret: A gorgeous European beach, complete with white sands, tiny huts for relaxing, and even a seaside lunch spot.
7 Thailand: Maya Bay Beach Is Well-Known For A Reason
Many of the photos on social media and Pinterest of Thailand beaches are of Maya Bay, and that's what has helped to generate such a tourist interest in the locale. This isn't the greatest thing for the beach itself, but we can attest to the fact that all those photos capture only half the beauty of these clear blue waters.
6 Vanuatu: Champagne Beach, A Great Alternative to Fiji
Vanuatu is like Fiji's lesser-known sister, and it's just as great of a travel choice. While it does provide more access to activities and excursions, it also has plenty of secretive coves and rainforest hikes. Champagne Beach is only one of the flawless R&R spots you can seek out, and it's definitely worth it.
5 New Zealand: Koekohe Beach, Unique And Tranquil
New Zealand is known for its Maori tribe and their longtime presence in the country, and Koekohe Beach is part of that history. According to Maori legend, these unique, marble-like boulders are actually the remains of Araiteuru canoe that crashed into the shoreline long ago.
4 Greece: Navagio Beach Is One Of The Best In Greece
Navagio Beach is stunning from both land and air, but it also has a unique nickname: 'Shipwreck Beach'. This shoreline earned the nickname after a ship ran aground on it, thus adding a bit of mystery to its unbelievable landscape. Perfectly situated in a cozy cove, this is a must-see for those visiting Greece.
3 Spain: Cala Deia, Don't Let The Rocky Shores Fool You
Cala Deia is unique right off the bat due to its interesting design. Mother Nature got creative with this one, leaving a rocky shoreline that gradually dips into an aqua-colored sea. A small spot, but a popular one for both tourists and locals alike, this beach is a big go-to for lazy swimming.
2 New Zealand: Piha Beach, Another Black Sand Landscape
Similar to Iceland, New Zealand is also home to many volcanos, some of which have created beach-like shorelines. Piha Beach is one of them and while the sand isn't as dark as its European counterpart, it does contain volcanic ash that gives the sand a unique coloring unlike any other.
1 Turkey: Blue Lagoon Has Some Of The Clearest Waters You'll Ever See
With plenty of room to spread out and trails to hike along, Turkey's Blue Lagoon is home to some of the clearest - and bluest - waters you'll ever see on a coastline. Dotted with cliffs and grassy outcroppings, there's no end to the exploration, or sunbathing, that can take place here.
Source: https://stayclosetravelfar.com/